Think About It
What is meant by "Think about it?" If the goal is to remember, you can't just let new information come in your eyes then out the holes in your head. You have to DO something with it. That makes "thinking" a series of repeated actions that ensure long-term information retention.
Why Do We Forget So Quickly?
“Memories are stored in ensembles of neurons called ‘engram cells’, and successful recall of these memories involves the reactivation of these ensembles. The logical extension of this is that forgetting occurs when engram cells cannot be reactivated.
The memories themselves are still there, but if the specific ensembles cannot be activated, they can’t be recalled. It’s as if the memories are stored in a safe but you can’t remember the code to unlock it.”
Source: Dr. Tomás Ryan, associate professor,
School of Biochemistry & Immunology, & Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience,
Trinity College Dublin (as cited)
Think About It Actions
Use EduProtocols for Small/Large Groups
WALDO (View) - This is a heuristic, a Google Doc, that you can use. It combines many resources in one place and works to help you more efficiently plan your lesson design. More importantly, it aligns evidence-based strategies with digital tools and workflows. Read the blog entry.
Retrieval Practice - Many of the EduProtocols depend on the high-effect size instructional strategy, Retrieval Practice (a.k.a. Practice Testing). Click the links to see related blog entries.
EduProtocols Master Slides and Examples and EduProtocol Book 1 Templates
Collections of EduProtocols:
EduProtocols main website and EduDuctTape Interview with Jon Corippo
Math Reps - This website has a lot of useful templates for use at all grade levels in support of math. Also see Mathematical Practices and EduProtocols
Back Pocket Questions
These are some more questions you can ask. I would use them, not only on what other's say, but unleash them on WHAT YOU believe, think, and how you process new information. For more information, check out these blog entries on pseudoscience and critical thinking.
